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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Jessica Elgot Chief political correspondent

Liz Truss leaves it late to leapfrog Tory rivals into pole position

Liz Truss receives applause outside the Commons
Liz Truss receives applause outside the Commons after becoming one of the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership contest. Photograph: WIktor Szymanowicz/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

The campaign team of Liz Truss say it was “never in doubt” that she would get to the run-off in the leadership vote. But many would have preferred to see her overtake Penny Mordaunt on Tuesday this week, and had had some expectations that it would happen.

The result in the end was closer than either Truss or Rishi Sunak would have liked – and it became the most unpredictable leadership race in a generation. Truss will have huge cause to celebrate, coming from third to now the bookies’ favourite to be next UK prime minister.

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